Born and raised in Fort Walton Beach, Susan Costabile has deep local roots and she pours that community connection into her work every single day.

• As the New Business Development Director at Sundance Rental Management, she’s part problem-solver, part relationship-builder, and part multitasking machine.

From morning coffee made by her husband to appointments across the region, her days are filled with supporting her team, connecting with property owners, and helping small businesses thrive.

Are you a life-long local, if not, where are you from originally and how did you end up in the area?

Born and raised right here in Fort Walton Beach. I absolutely love my hometown.

What’s your current job title and where do you work?

New Business Development Director at Sundance Rental Management. I am the daughter of Sundance owners, Matt and Pam Scheel, and have been working with the company since 2007 and obtained my Real Estate Sales Associate License in 2010.

I take pride in growing the company as the new business development director and upholding the standards, policies, procedures, and legacy that my parents have founded.

I am married to Blake, the Business Operations Director here at Sundance and we have two active boys. I enjoy building relationships with the community and am motivated to continue my parents’ excellence in the property management business as well as this community.

What’s your morning routine?

My husband makes the best coffee to kick off the day, and I dive straight into emails, follow-ups, and planning before getting the kids on the bus and I head out to appointments.

Describe what a typical workday looks like for you.

I am a multitasker who thrives in a dynamic environment where no two days are the same. My focus is on supporting co-workers as needed, providing excellent customer service, driving new business development, networking, and nurturing lasting relationships.

What’s the first thing you do when you get to work (or start your workday)?

I never stop working, lol, but when I’m in the office, my day usually starts by checking in with my Team and seeing how I can support them.

What tools, apps, or gadgets can’t you live without?

I don’t think I could live without my iPhone (calendars, camera, Appfolio property management software app), the Waze app (gotta keep an eye on my speed and make it to appointments on time), and Spotify, I love blasting music in the car between appointments.

Apple or Android?

Apple.

What’s your go-to coffee (or tea) order?

Fresh ground pour over coffee with a splash of creamer plus 1/2 Splenda.

What’s your go-to lunch spot or work snack?

Anything convenient: I eat a lot of leftovers (my husband is a great cook) and I love Pho Eva right next to our office & I also love supporting and grabbing lunch from Heavenly Croissant, the minute I walk in the door she knows my order and I usually pick up a dozen fresh baked cookies as well to share with co-workers!

What’s one local business you love supporting?

I love supporting all small businesses, and lately our family has been frequenting La Calle Food Hall, Ivy & Ale, Coffee Ave, and Thick Cookie Co.

What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?

The best career advice I’ve received is to pour into others and listen more than you speak, it’s amazing how much you learn and grow when you do.

If you could give your 20-year-old self a piece of advice, what would it be?

Be kind always. A little kindness goes a long way, it opens doors, builds lasting relationships, and makes the journey so much more meaningful.

How do you unwind after a long day?

Family dinners, usually planned around sports schedules: time to sit down & catch up with each other. Also enjoying a nice glass of red wine. 🍷

What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?

I really enjoy the simple things most & small gestures of appreciation.

What’s your favorite local event or tradition?

I love spending Saturdays at the downtown farmers market, I like seeing people outdoors and supporting small businesses. I also enjoy volunteering at United Way community days & events.

What’s inspiring you right now (book, podcast, person, hobby)?

I’m currently very involved as Vice President of the Success Partner of FWB BNI networking group, so many of the podcasts I listen to focus on growth, leadership, and the Givers Gain philosophy. I also enjoy reading the Bible almost every day and exploring deeper through my ladies’ Bible Study group.

Early bird or night owl?

Really both! I am not one to ever sleep in but also often the last one to go home. 🤣

Most used emoji?

☀️

Music while working — yes or no? (and if yes, what’s on your playlist?)

Yes! DJ on Spotify is amazing, throws stuff at me exactly when I need it. I am across the board from praise & worship, cali reggae, country, rap, pop music plus my kids are always introducing new artists that I end up enjoying as well.

Favorite motivational quote?

Keep your thoughts positive because your thoughts become your words. Keep your words positive because your words become your behavior. Keep your behavior positive because your behavior becomes your habits. Keep your habits positive because your habits become your values. Keep your values positive because your values become your destiny. — Mahatma Gandhi

Standing desk or sitting? Mix?

Sitting.

If you could give any advice for someone getting into the same field as you, what advice would you give?

Long-term property management can bring challenging and mentally demanding days, but with strong policies and procedures in place, confidence in doing what’s right and ethical, and the understanding that you can’t take everything personally, you’ll do great. Stay positive, stay professional, and treat everyone with respect, that is what makes all the difference.